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April 30, 2018

Connecting with the Surrounding Community is Belmont Village’s Way

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Many have watched the newest Belmont Village Senior Living Community, a California Mediterranean-style building, being built on the hill overlooking the 101 Freeway. The site of the 12th Belmont Village Community in California was chosen for its proximity to The Commons retail area and an array of other community facilities to make it easy for residents and their families to enjoy an active lifestyle. However, location is only one aspect of helping residents maintain their valuable connections with the surrounding community. Belmont Village staff members work to foster a “community-within-a-community” environment through a robust schedule of programs, activities and service projects of interest to residents. Belmont communities often act as neighborhood hubs, inviting local organizations to hold meetings in the building to further support community engagement.

“Many of our Belmont residents have lived in the neighborhood for decades when they make the move to our community,” said Patricia Will, Belmont Village Founder and CEO. “They want to maintain the connections they’ve built over the years, and their input is invaluable in developing programs and activities that allow them to continue to enjoy those rich connections, with the added support and security that our community provides. We often hear from family members that their mom or dad is more active than they have been in years.”

Exclusive to Belmont Village Calabasas is a new art gallery featuring 16 original works by eight artists who are UCLA Emeriti and Retirees. This “Emeriti Art Show” was created to showcase retired professors and highlight their second talent as artists. Belmont Village Senior Living enjoys a long-term relationship with the UCLA Emeriti and Retiree Relations Center through its affiliation with Belmont Village Westwood. A companion “Emeriti Art Show” featuring different art and artists will be on display in the coming months at the Westwood community. The shows illustrate how one can meaningfully continue to contribute during retirement years.

According to Will, “We can build a wonderful building with warm ambience and innovative programs, provide well-trained staff who are both supportive and encouraging, but ultimately, it’s our residents who shape our buildings and turn them into the communities they become.”

One area of benefit for the new residents is the way in which Belmont Village has distinguished itself through their development of therapeutic programs. Belmont Village Senior Living is a recognized leader in developing university-led, research-based programs to support a Whole Brain Fitness lifestyle where residents interact with their peers socially and maintain their mental and physical fitness, nutrition, spirituality and creativity through guided enrichment programs.

“Our philosophy from day one has been to develop programs that are enjoyable for our residents but also offer a mental stretch,” said Will. “Our programs focus on what is possible. At the end of the day, we want each resident to have experienced some gain. That’s what our teams work toward.”

MBA Club® is a self-directed mind-body awareness program for active residents who want to maintain mental and physical fitness. The award-winning Circle of Friends® cognitive enrichment program is designed for residents with early to moderate stage memory loss who need a higher level of support than is typically offered in assisted living, but do not need the highest level of memory care. Circle of Friends® residents continue to live in their assisted living apartments and participate in small group activities designed to provide the “just right challenge” for each resident. A dedicated Memory Care Neighborhood is available for residents who need a higher level of support. Programs are tailored to meet individual needs and abilities and facilitated by a specially trained staff.

Belmont Village Calabasas is a Mediterranean-style, three-story building which houses 140 private residences for Assisted Living and Memory Care. Apartment selections include studio and one-bedroom plans with a monthly fee structure—no large buy-in or long-term commitment is required for move-in. The community features beautiful views and expansive common spaces indoors and out, including a heated saltwater pool and a professionally managed fitness center for wellness programs and therapy services. Hospitality services include chef-prepared meals, housekeeping and transportation services. Most importantly, a licensed nurse and well-trained staff are onsite 24/7 to oversee resident care.

To learn more or schedule a tour, call 818.222.2600 or visit BelmontVillage.com/Calabasas.